Measure seeks to enhance rural emergency medical services

A group of legislators are espousing the benefits of legislation that would bolster rural access to emergency air medical services critical to saving lives.

U.S. Reps. Ron Estes (R-KS) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) recently joined U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to detail the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act, which would utilize data collected via the No Surprises Act to update emergency air services Medicare reimbursement rates.

“Air ambulances provide lifesaving services, especially for the many Kansans living in rural parts of our state,” Estes said. “The bipartisan bill I’m introducing with Rep. DelBene, along with my colleagues Sens. Bennet and Blackburn in the Senate, is a common sense way to ensure all Americans have efficient access to hospitals and specialized providers regardless of their location.”

Estes said when seconds matter, air ambulances have proven to be the best way to care for patients in need and under the new legislation, the work of the pilots and medical professionals on board will continue to save lives.

The bill authorizes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to update the Medicare Fee Schedule using data collected through the No Surprises Act passed in 2020 and requires air ambulance providers to submit additional data on the operational costs of air medical services.

“During medical emergencies, time is of the essence, and many Washingtonians rely on air ambulance services for critical care and speedy transport to the hospital,” DelBene said. “Medicare’s reimbursement system for air medical services is outdated and no longer reflects the cost of care, jeopardizing people’s access to lifesaving transport—particularly those in underserved and rural communities.”